Kenya crowned Cecafa champions on independence anniversary

KENYA’S Harambee Stars emerged champions of the 2013 GoTv Cecafa Challenge Cup after snatching a 2-0 win over Sudan in yesterday’s final held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

Friday, December 13, 2013
Harambee Stars celebrate a recent win in the GOtv Cecafa Cup 2013 in Nakuru.Wanga (wearing arm-band) scored both goals in the final yesterday. Net photo.

FinalKenya 2-0 Sudan Bronze positionZambia 1-1 Tanzania**Zambia wins 6-5 on spot kicks KENYA’S Harambee Stars emerged champions of the 2013 GoTv Cecafa Challenge Cup after snatching a 2-0 win over Sudan in yesterday’s final held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.Kenya snatched the much-earned victory courtesy of skipper Allan Wanga who proved the nation’s hero as he bagged a brace to end a long trophy drought which dates way back in 2002 when Kenya beat hosts Tanzania 3-2 in Dar es Salaam.The victory came at a time when Kenya is celebrating 50 years of independence from British rule. It was also the first piece of silverware for Coach Adel Amrouche since he took over in February.Wanga, the AFC Leopards forward, started his scoring mission against Sudan in the 35th minute when he headed in a well taken David Owino cross to give the Sudan goalkeeper Abdelrahman Ali no chance.Sudan, and the tournament's top scorer Ibrahim Salah, continued to torment the Kenyan defence, but to no avail. Cheered on by the home fans, Wanga made it 2-0 in the 69th minute with a good ground shot.Speaking to Super sport after the final, Wanga said, "I am so happy to have scored three goals in the tournament and leading Harambee Stars to victory”It had taken Kenya 30 years to win the Cecafa trophy on their home soil, a point Kenya’s coach was well aware of.Earlier, Zambia clinched third place after their goalkeeper Joshua Titima saved three penalties to hand the Chipolopolo a 6-5 shootout win over Tanzania. The game was tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes.